Arthropodium

Arthropodium is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the subfamily Lomandroideae of the family Asparagaceae. Members of this genus are native to Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Madagascar.

Taxonomy

Accepted species

Species accepted as of July 2014 are:Arthropodium bifurcatum Heenan, A.D.Mitch. & de Lange – New Zealand North IslandArthropodium caesioides H.Perrier – MadagascarArthropodium candidum Raoul – New Zealand North and South IslandsArthropodium cirratum R.Br. – rengarenga, renga lily, New Zealand rock lily, or maikaika – New Zealand North and South IslandsArthropodium curvipes S.Moore – Western AustraliaArthropodium dyeri Brittan – Western AustraliaArthropodium milleflorum J.F.Macbr. – pale vanilla lily – New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, TasmaniaArthropodium minus R.Br. – small vanilla lily – New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, TasmaniaArthropodium neocaledonicum Baker – New Caledonia

Formerly included species

Arthropodium fimbriatum R.Br. – see Dichopogon fimbriatusArthropodium strictum R.Br. – chocolate lily – see ''Dichopogon strictus''

Human uses

The rhizomes of some species can be eaten as root vegetables, including A. cirratum, A. milleflorum, A. minus, and A. strictum. A. cirratum is native to New Zealand, where it may once have been farmed. It is used for medicine as well as food, and has symbolic importance in traditional Māori culture.